One of the world’s most precious resources is at risk. This timely and emotionally moving documentary illuminates what is at stake and what can be done to protect the source of nearly all our food: SEEDS. Seeds provide the basis for everything from fabric, to food to fuels. Seeds are as essential to life as the air we breathe or water we drink…but given far less attention.

According to the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN), approximately 90 percent of the fruit and vegetable varieties that existed 100 years ago no longer exist today. Heritage grain is near extinction. Seeds that were lovingly nurtured over decades or even hundreds of years have been lost forever. Maintaining seed biodiversity allows us to breed new varieties that are resistant to pests or thrive in temperature extremes. This is essential in a changing climate.

Meanwhile, corporations are co-opting seed genetics using patent law. In the past, the seed was communal. Seeds were a shared resource not unlike the water we drink or the air we breathe. One hundred years ago things started to change. Today, corporate-owned seed accounts for 82% of the world-wide market. Plants grown from transgenic seeds (also known as GMOs) send pollen through the wind and contaminate neighboring crops. When this happens, large companies threaten affected farmers with lawsuits (and nearly always win). Food grown has shown to have dangerous health effects and there is even more we don’t know. Once a crop is contaminated by GMO pollen there is no turning back.

In this film you will meet a diverse range of individuals whose lives center around seeds. Farmers. Renegade gardeners. Passionate seed savers. Artists. Seed activists. This film tells the story of seeds by following their challenges and triumphs as they work to save this precious resource.

It’s not too late…yet.

Please join Meaningful Movies : Sustainable Ballard for a screening of “Open Sesame: The Story of Seeds” on Sunday, April 23rd @ 5:30pm at Royal Drummer Cafe. We invite you to arrive early to enjoy Happy Hour pricing of 25% off all items on Royal Drummer’s regular menu.

A discussion following the film will be led by Bill Thorness, gardening author and coordinator of the King County Seed Lending Library.

Meaningful Movies : Sustainable Ballard Screenings are free, but we gratefully accept donations to help offset the costs of acquiring the films we screen. Suggestion: $5.